The President of the Republic, Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid, received today, Thursday, at the headquarters of the Iraqi embassy in Paris, the Iraqi athlete who carried the Olympic torch at the Paris Olympics, Shilan Shamal, and her family. The Presidency said in a statement, 'The President of the Republic confirmed that the presence of an Iraqi girl among the Olympic torchbearers around the world reflects the status of Iraqi women and their qualifications, creative abilities, and generous giving.' The statement added, "Rashid renewed the clear position of the Presidency of the Republic in supporting women, enhancing their role, and overcoming all difficulties that hinder their presence at the center of decision-making." For her part, the player, Shamal, appreciated the President's positions of support for women, expressing her happiness at meeting the President of the Republic. Source: National Iraqi News Agency